Collins John’s ignominious spell at Watford has ended after the striker returned to Fulham.

The 22-year-old, signed on loan as the replacement for Marlon King, has returned to Craven Cottage for an operation to solve his troublesome back and hamstring problems.

John arrived at Vicarage Road in January unfit and only managed to make three starts and two substitute appearances.During John’s stay at Vicarage Road, Watford will have had to pay at least 50 per cent of John’s reported £18,000 a week wages and paid the Cottagers a loan fee.Watford now look unlikely to make John’s move permanent in the summer.